Gallup survey finds only 1 in 3 K-12 educators feels a strong sense of mattering at school, with fewer than half of undervalued staff planning to remain in education

New research from the Walton Family Foundation, Gallup and The Mattering Institute highlights the importance of helping educators feel valued and supported at school. Only 1 in 3 K-12 educators say they feel they matter a great deal. Among those who feel they matter little or not at all, 68% report frequent burnout and fewer than half expect to remain in education long term.

The Walton Family Foundation announced more than $220 million in active grants to improve K-8 literacy and math outcomes for students across the United States. Aligned with the foundation’s new five-year strategy, these investments seek to strengthen student achievement, targeting the classroom, school, and system levels.

How collaboration, classroom materials and professional learning can reduce burnout, strengthen teaching and create more moments of success in the classroom

Walton Family Foundation-Gallup survey finds most teachers receive limited guidance on AI use, and resource gaps fuel burnout and retention risks

A new Walton Family Foundation-Gallup survey finds that many teachers are managing growing demands with limited clarity and support. Fewer than half say expectations for teaching excellence are fully realistic, and 77% of teachers facing unrealistic expectations report frequent burnout.

New Gallup research reveals that 71% of U.S. teachers hold at least one second job, a sign of the financial strain that has become a daily reality for educators across the country.

Two states are leading the effort to offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave to teachers

What happens when teachers don’t have paid parental leave? Too often, they leave the classroom—or never enter it at all. In Arkansas and Delaware, teachers receive 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with states covering the cost of long-term substitutes. Educators and state leaders share how these policies support families, strengthen financial stability, and help schools retain great teachers.

More than half of teachers in the United States say they couldn’t take any paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Most had to rely on accrued sick days instead. Only two states currently offer 12 weeks of fully paid leave with coverage for long-term substitutes.

Walton Family Foundation-Gallup research reveals a quarter of teachers lack key resources needed to do their jobs

Teachers’ job satisfaction is deeply tied to the support they receive. According to a new Gallup report, 77% of teachers who say they have the materials they need to do their jobs are satisfied with their school as a workplace.

How AI Helps Teachers Build Capacity and Reinvest in Students

How the education innovators at Magpie Literacy are helping America’s youngest learners build foundational reading skills

At a Little Rock school, Magpie Literacy's virtual tools are helping young students master reading fundamentals. Meet the educators using sound, structure and smiles to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

We asked teachers from across the country to share moments when their students moved and inspired them this school year. These reflections are reminders of why they chose this work—and how its impact reaches far beyond the classroom.